BINDER SELECTION IN CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS EXTRACT PULVERIZATION PROCESS FOR OPTIMUM AGI ACTIVITY AND STABILITY

Abstract

Lemongrass, or Cymbopogon citratus, is a plant most known for its fragrant qualities and applications as a spice. There has also been research about Lemongrass pertaining to its anti-diabetic qualities. This quality is brought upon by alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGI) contained within Lemongrass, these inhibitors help reduce the rate at which blood sugar rises by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for breaking down simple sugars with 1,4-glycosidic linkages. Previously, an industrial manufacturing of Lemongrass powder is ongoing at PT. Deltomed, however due to lack of a binder, the spray dried powder was unstable and hygroscopic. This research aims to find a viable binder that would still preserve the intended use as a herbal alternative to anti-diabetic medicines. The common binder Maltodextrin was found to increase the glucose content of the sample by a significant amount, so other binders must be used. Alternative binders picked were Gum Arabic and Carboxymethyl Cellulose due to their good binder properties while not contributing to the glucose content of the binder. Through the Design Expert program a binder ratio of 8:91:1 (Maltodextrin : Gum Arabic : CMC) was produced.